Driver Charged With Vehicular Homicide Following Fatal Crash in Fulton County

Fayette – The Toledo Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on August 29, 2026, at approximately 4:13 P.M. The crash occurred on State Route 66 and County Road N in Gorham Township, Fulton County.

Austin J. Karr Grimes, age 29, of Fayette, Ohio, was driving a 1993 GMC Suburban southbound on State Route 66. Washington G. Naula Ochoa, age 34, of Perrysburg, Ohio, was driving a 2024 Ram 3500 westbound on County Road N. Mr. Naula Ochoa failed to yield the right of way at a stop sign, pulled into the intersection, and struck Mr. Karr Grimes. Mr. Karr Grimes lost control, went partially off the west side of the roadway before overturning. Mr. Karr Grimes succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene.

The passengers of Mr. Naula Ochoa’s vehicle, Ivan Rodriguez, age 29, of Perrysburg, Ohio, David Rodriguez, age 18, of Perrysburg, Ohio, and Bayron Burgos, age 33, of Perrysburg, Ohio did not sustain any injuries. The passengers of Mr. Karr Grimes vehicle, Emilee Campbell, age 26, of Fayette, Ohio and Maggie Karr Grimes, age 3, of Fayette, Ohio were transported to Saint Vincent’s Hospital with minor injuries.

State Route 66 was closed for approximately 4 hours; however, it has since been reopened.

A lack of safety belt usage appears to be a contributing factor in the crash. Drug and alcohol impairment were not suspected.

Mr. Naula Ochoa was charged with Ohio Revised Codes 2903.06A3 Vehicular homicide and 4511.43A Right-of-way rule at stop signs. Mr. Naula Ochoa was incarcerated.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Fayette Police Department, Fulton County Coroner, Archbold Fire and EMS, Morenci EMS, and Life Flight.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds motorists to always wear safety belts, and to never drive impaired or distracted.